The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every country and every region in the world. While Canada has done well to flatten the curve and reduce the number of cases in the country during the initial outbreak in the spring of 2020, it's important to continue to follow Health Canada guidelines, as well as the guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health. This article has been written as a resource for people who are travelling to or considering travel to Northeastern Ontario.
Regional Situation
Northeastern Ontario is located in the Northeast Health Unit which includes the Temiskaming Health Unit, the Porcupine Health Unit, the Sudbury & District Health Unit, and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. The number of positive cases in the northeast region continues to remain low during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Northeastern ontario
As of September 30th, 2020, there were 51,710 confirmed cases in Ontario and only 83 in the Porcupine Unit, 108 in the Sudbury Health Unit, 18 in Temiskaming, and 40 in the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit. Northeastern Ontario is a larger, more remote region with a lower population density than many regions in Southern Ontario, which is one reason for the lower number of cases here.
Travel Information Centres
There are a number of Travel Information Centres in Ontario's Northeastern Ontario and most are operating this fall. The good news is that you can travel safely across the region and enjoy the great outdoors this fall and winter.
Manitoulin Tourism Information Centre
65 Water St, South Baymouth, ON P0P 1Z0
Mattawa Tourist Information Centre
401 Pine St, Mattawa, ON P0H 1V0
Timmins Tourism
325 2nd Ave, Timmins, ON P4N 8A4
West Nipissing Information Centre
30 Front St, Sturgeon Falls, ON P2B 3L4
COVID-19 Alert App
The Government of Canada's COVID-19 alert app is can alert you to possible exposures to COVID-19. It works by using bluetooth technology to identify others you may have come into contact with who later test positve for COVID-19. The app does not track or identify personal information about you, it is designed with features that protect your personal privacy. You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Learn more here.
Mask Requirements
Masks are required in many health units and are considered essential for limiting the spread of COVID-19. For anyone required a face covering, here is a guide to made in Northern Ontario masks.
Returning Home
Your chances of getting COVID-19 while visiting Northeastern Ontario are low, however, if you do have any symptoms upon returning home, ensure you do the following to protect yourself and others:
- Self Isolate.
- Call your doctor or telehealth number.
- Arrange to get tested.
- Continue to self-isolate until your test results come back.
- If there are others in your household, continue to wear a mask, physically distance, and wash your hands.
By wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distance, staying home and avoiding crowds whenver possible, and washing your hands, Canada can continue to flatten the curve and keep our neighbours, ourselves, and our communities safe.